2009-04-16
【CLAP!!!!!!】Guilty Simpson + Madilb v.s Noel Gourdin + GFK
Guilty Simpson - Clap Your Hands (Produced by Madlib)
Noel Gourdin feat. Ghostface Killah - Clap for That
2009-04-15
【迢遙】43rd Montreux Jazz Festival
2009年瑞士「蒙特魯爵士音樂節」的演出表單已經出來了
目前敲定的有：
http://www.montreuxjazz.com/index.php?lang=en&cat=program09&subcat=by_artist
依日期與演出組合與場次則是：
http://www.montreuxjazz.com/index.php?lang=en&cat=tickets&subcat=buy
我把個人偏好的挑出來吧（紅字是我很想去的！）
在Miles Davis Hall
7/4（前端HipHop組）
Black Milk
Little Brother
Mos Def with live band - The Ecstatic Tour
7/6（平穩Jazz組）
ELEW
SMV : Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller, Victor Wooten
7/7（浩大組）
CTI All Star Band 2009
(Randy Brecker、Hubert Laws、Bill Evans、Flora Purim、Jamie Cullum...)
7/9（Soul組）
Raphael Saadiq
Q-Tip
7/10（野性HipHop組）
Outerspace
Mr Lif
Jedi Mind Tricks
La Coka Nostra
7/13（回顧組）
Kenny Babyface Edmonds
Marianne Faithfull
7/16（混搭組）
Allen Toussaint
Madeleine Peyroux
Daniel Powter
在Auditorium Stravinski
7/4（經典組）
Steely Dan
Dave Matthews Band
Midnight Special : Chickenfoot
7/5（大師組）
Herbie Hancock & Lang Lang
Orchestre National de Lyon
7/6（一團就夠組）
Black Eyed Peas
7/7（漾組）
Klaxons
Lily Allen
7/8（獸人組）
Alice Cooper
7/11（Nina Simone組）
Dianne Reeves
Lizz Wright
Angélique Kidjo
Simone
Al Shackman 5tet
（Solo組）
Lauryn Hill
Naturally 7
7/13（易上手Jazz組）
George Benson
Rachelle Ferrell
George Duke
Lee Ritenour
7/14（靈動之聲組）
Blind Boys of Alabama
Bettye Lavette
Solomon Burke
7/18（老酒組）
Vaneese Thomas and the Soul Spinners
Ray Parker Jr.
Donna Summer
【堅實】Rex Rideout（一）
Rex Rideout是R&B音樂界的辛勤作手，在將近二十年的創作生涯裡，他替許許多多的藝人作嫁，無論是流行樂界或是其擅長的爵士樂領域（他最近轉進至neo-soul了），都留下令人印象深刻的作品。在專門介紹音樂創作人的網站「Studio Expresso」當中，這篇有關Rex Rideout的報導文章當屬完整的介紹：
以下是該網頁的中文翻譯，希望藉此讓更多人瞭解Rex Rideout。
───
或許你不知道他是誰，但你一定聽過他作的音樂；他是葛萊美獎提名人——Rex Rideout。或許這是音樂產業最大的祕密，從R&B、pop、smooth jazz到電視和廣播廣告都可以發現其身影，Rex持續不輟的展現多方天賦，例如作為製作人、作曲者、編曲者和所謂的音樂人，這些領域的作品都讓人印象深刻。（You may not recognize him, but you know his music. Grammy nominated, Rex Rideout could be considered one of the industry's best kept secrets. From R&B and pop to smooth jazz to television and radio commercials, Rex has continued to exhibit his versatile gifts as a producer, songwriter, arranger and musician, and has quietly built an impressive body of work.）
你可以透過Luther Vandross、Angie Stone、Will Downing、Lalah Hathaway和Boney James的音樂，以及Coca-Cola、AT&T、McDonald's、Budweiser、Ford Motors和K-Swiss的廣告中聽到他的作品。（His music can be heard on such artists as Luther Vandross, Angie Stone, Will Downing, Lalah Hathaway, and Boney James, and in advertising spots for Coca-Cola, AT&T, Mc Donald's, Budweiser, Ford Motors and K-Swiss. ）
來自賓夕法尼亞州匹茲堡的Rex，十歲時就展現對音樂的喜好，他自始學習鋼琴，並與幾個當地樂團共同登台表演。為了追求更遠大的音樂之路，Rex搬到亞特蘭大，結識了一些當地著名的樂手，此後，Rex被引介至紐約，不久便成為Roy Ayers、George Howard、Noel Pointer和Will Downing的演唱會鍵盤手。（Hailing from Pittsburgh PA, Rex's interest in music began at the age of ten when he learned to play the piano and performed with local groups. Deciding to pursue a career in music, he moved to Atlanta, meeting up with some of the area's noted musicians. From there, Rex was led to New York and subsequently became the live keyboardist for Roy Ayers, George Howard, Noel Pointer and Will Downing.）
累積巡迴現場演奏經驗後，最終轉進錄音室工作。Rex在GPR唱片操作了三張George Howard的專輯（譯注：《Do I Ever Cross Your Mind?》〔1992〕、《When Summer Comes》〔1993〕、《Home Far Away》〔1994〕）、在Mercury唱片操作了兩張Will Downing專輯（譯注：應該是三張，《Love's the Place to Be》〔1993〕、《Moods》〔1995〕、以及下段會提到的《Invitation Only》〔1997〕），作曲和製作的功力大為精進，為Will Downing所作的作品〈Sorry I〉，打入成人單曲（Urban AC single）榜的前十名和R&B單曲（R&B single）榜的前四十名，並將《Moods》這張Downing著名專輯推向「告示牌」（譯注：本篇所提及之排行榜皆為「Billboard」）現代爵士專輯（Contemporary Jazz album）榜的第一名。同時，Rex也開始替電視、廣播的廣告寫曲和製作，並發掘新歌手到他自己的音樂製作公司。（Roadwork eventually turned into studio work, where Rex garnered songwriting and production on three of George Howard's albums on GRP Records and on two of Will Downing's albums on Mercury Records. Rex's song, "Sorry I" became a Top 10 Urban AC single as well as a Top 40 R&B single, pushing Downing's Moods to be a #1 Billboard Contemporary Jazz album. During that same time, Rex began writing and producing jingles for TV and radio commercials, as well as developing new artists under his production company. ）
Rex接著參與製作了「Downing」後來的兩張專輯：《Invitation Only》和《All the Man You Need》，然而他的音樂之路卻沒有任何「Down」的跡象，還被許多知名的歌手點名，證據如下：
- 他替SWV的聖誕專輯《A Special Christmas》製作了〈Silver Bells〉這首歌；
- 在Luther Vandross的黃金唱片（譯注：專輯總銷售超過500,000張）、葛萊美獎提名專輯《I Know》中，共同創作和編製首波主打〈Night In Harlem〉一曲；
- 在The Temptations的葛萊美獎提名白金唱片（譯注：專輯總銷售超過1,000,000張）《Phoenix Rising》中，Rex擔綱寫曲和製作工作，其中〈How Could He Hurt You〉成為該專輯的第二波主打單曲；
- 與Boney James，這位著名smooth jazz音樂人的黃金唱片《Body Language》，合作一曲〈Are You Ready〉；
- neo-soul歌手Angie Stone在她令人驚豔的白金唱片《Black Diamond》中，也收錄了Rex的作品〈Could Be You〉；
- 在《Pokemon 2000: The Power of One》（神奇寶貝）的電影原聲帶，Rex參與了〈They Don't Understand〉單曲，並交由青少年團體Dreamstreet演唱。
（Showing no signs of slowing down, Rex produced songs on the next two Will Downing albums, Invitation Only and All the Man You Need, and was tapped by a number of other stellar artists. Rex contributed his production of "Silver Bells" on the Christmas album from SWV. He co-wrote and arranged "Nights In Harlem", the 1st single from Luther Vandross' gold certified and Grammy nominated album, I Know. He produced and wrote, "How Could He Hurt You" which became the 2nd single from The Temptations' platinum certified and Grammy nominated album, Phoenix Rising. Likewise, renowned smooth jazz artist, Boney James, features Rex's song, "Are You Ready" on his gold album Body Language, neo-soulist, Angie Stone, includes the single "Coulda Been You" on her breakthrough platinum album Black Diamond, and the soundtrack to the movie Pokemon 2000 incorporates "They Don't Understand" performed by upstart pop group Dreamstreet. ）
讓我們把焦點轉回Rex擅長的工作。他和專門出版Jazz音樂的N-Coded Music唱片，當時的總裁Carl Griffin一同激發名為「Club 1600」的概念專輯；由於受到Quincy Jones的《Q's jook joint》專輯啟發，Rex也在smooth jazz場域利用了類似的途徑（譯注：意指跨音樂領域／音樂人合作，《Q's jook joint》的大堆頭模式在當時蔚為風潮）。這兩張專輯以「Club 1600」為名的專輯，製作皆不假他人之手，全由Rex包辦，並且找來了許多smooth jazz裡的風雲人物，包括Roy Ayers、Randy Brecker、Gerald Albright和Maysa。第一張專輯《NCoded Music》的歌就名列排行榜前茅，其中包括〈Stay〉這首改編自The Temptations動人歌曲；第二張專輯《Ridin' High》，在極富感染力的〈Tease〉單曲之中，Albright那令人無法抗拒的薩克斯風和Rex本身豐富鍵盤簡直是完美搭配。（Taking a step out from behind the scenes, Rex, along with N-Coded Music President Carl Griffin, created the concept album Club 1600. Being inspired by Quincy Jones' Q's Jook Joint, Rex set out with the same approach for the smooth jazz arena. Having two installments released, both albums were produced entirely by Rex, and featured a collection of songs performed by some of the most respected names in smooth jazz including Roy Ayers, Randy Brecker, Gerald Albright and Maysa. The first album yielded the chart topper, "Stay", a powerful arrangement of The Tempations' hit song, and the second, Ridin' High, features the infectious single "Tease" highlighting Albright's irresistible sax and Rex's own prolific keyboard playing. ）
轉移陣地至洛杉磯之後，Rex依舊持續著音樂製作和創作。第一首發表的曲子是收錄於Boney James獲得葛萊美獎提名的《Ride》專輯中，由Dave Hollister獻唱的〈Somethin' Inside〉；接著是Will Downing《Sensual Journey》專輯中的〈Cool Water〉；Rex也製作了同廠牌（譯注：N2K唱片，是N-Coded Music唱片的前身）女歌手Maysa的專輯《Out Of The Blue》；Al Jarreau的《All I Got》專輯也收錄了他所創作的兩首歌，其中一首甚至是首波主打〈Secret Of Love〉。Rex的「外務」也是絲毫不遜色，例如Nissan、General Motors、K-Swiss等許多熱門電視廣告歌曲的製作。（Relocating to Los Angeles, Rex continued his producing and writing, delivering first singles "Somthin' Inside" sung by Dave Hollister from Boney James' Grammy nominated album, Ride and "Cool Water" from Will Downing's CD, Sensual Journey. Rex also produced the Out Of The Blue album for label mate, Maysa and contributed two songs to Al Jarreau's All I Got (including first single "Secrets Of Love"). Not letting his "other career" fade, he completed music for several popular TV and radio spots for Nissan, General Motors, and K-Swiss. ）
【堅實】Rex Rideout（二）
Rex不間斷的顯露他製作與作曲才華，例如在Richard Elliot《Ricochet》專輯中的〈Seven Secret Pools〉、〈Sweet Memories〉和〈So Good〉；以及Paul Taylor的《Steppin' Out》專輯中的六首歌，包含了在排行榜名列前茅的〈On The Movement〉和〈Steppin' Out〉。（Rex continued to show his production and writing talent, with songs on Richard Elliot's Ricochet ("Seven Sacred Pools", "Sweet Memories" and "So Good") and on Paul Taylor's Steppin' Out (6 songs including the chart topping singles "On The Move" and "Steppin' Out").）
Rex最感驕傲的是：曾在傳奇歌手Luther Vandross那張受到高度讚揚、登上「告示牌」專輯榜首位，且迅速的達到白金唱片（如今已達到雙白金）的專輯《Dance With My Father》裡，為當中的三首歌共同製作和編曲：〈Apologize〉、 〈Hit It Again （featuring Queen Latifah）〉和〈Once Were Lovers （featuring Stevie Wonder）〉。在這張值得紀念的專輯裡（譯注：Luther Vandross逝世前的最後一張錄音室作品），Rex確確實實貢獻了三首突出的歌曲。（Moreover, Rex is most proud to have co-written and arranged three songs on the highly acclaimed album Dance With My Father from the legendary Luther Vandross, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 Album chart and quickly reached platinum certification (now double platinum). "Apologize", "Hit It Again" featuring Queen Latifah and "Once Were Lovers" featuring Stevie Wonder are standouts on this memorable collection. ）
在電影方面，動感的熱門歌曲〈Rain Down（featuring Angie Stone, The O'Jays, Montell Jordan, Melba Moore and Zane）〉，Rex名列共同創作及製作團隊，收錄於Paramount Pictures/MTV所發行的電影，由Cuba Gooding Jr.和Beyoncé Knowles主演的《The Fighting Temptations》（億萬唱詩班）。這張電影原聲帶隨後熱賣成為黃金唱片，〈Rain Down〉亦共享榮耀。（On the film side, there is the high energy hit "Rain Down" featuring Angie Stone, The O' Jays, Montell Jordan, Melba Moore and Zane, which Rex co-wrote and produced for the Paramount Pictures/MTV Films movie The Fighting Temptations starring Cuba Gooding Jr. and Beyoncé Knowles. "Rain Down" is also on the accompanying soundtrack, now certified gold.）
最近（譯注：此篇文章寫於2004年左右），Rex的作品〈Rhythm Of U And Me〉收錄在Will Downing《Emotion》專輯中並排定在宣傳單曲之列，還有由Peter White演唱的smooth jazz冠軍曲〈Talkin Bout Love〉。另外值得一提的是：Rex替Luther Vandross製作的〈Take You Out〉，被George Benson選中翻唱；為Gerald Albright最新專輯《Kickin' It Up》量身訂作了兩首歌，包括了充滿情感的〈Condition Of My Heart〉，這首歌的賣點不單只有Albright擅長述說情愛的薩克斯風，搭配Boyz II Men的Shawn Stockman動人歌聲堪稱直指人心。（Most recently, Rex's work can be found on Will Downing's Emotions, including current single "Rhythm Of U And Me" and on #1 smooth jazz hit "Talkin' Bout Love" by Peter White. Also to Rex's credit is his production of the Luther Vandross' hit "Take You Out" performed by the renowned George Benson, as well as two songs for Gerald Albright's current set, Kickin' It Up, including the emotion filled "Condition Of My Heart" which matches Albright's caressing sax with touching vocals from Shawn Stockman of Boyz II Men. ）
爾後，Rex的發展只能以「持續茁壯」來形容，他偕同GRP/Verve Music Group的製作人Bud Harner，再次擔綱製作向已逝的Luther Vandross致敬專輯《Forever, For Always, For Luther》，重新詮釋了一些熱門且受到大家喜愛的歌曲，由smooth jazz名家Dave Koz、Kirk Whalum、Mindi Abair、Boney James、Lalah Hathaway和Rick Braun等共襄此舉。（譯注：2006年繼續出版的《Forever, For Always, For Luther Volume 2》，也是Bud Harner與Rex Rideout的音樂產物）不僅只紀念Luther，這系列專輯也有一個有意義的起源：捐贈部分收入給美國糖尿病協會。這些成員都被集合在紐約，以Rex為音樂導演，負責替這個活動募款，特別的是這個活動是以Patti LeBelle（譯注：Luther的多年摯友）為主要號召。該音樂會門票最終售罄，這以愛為名的專輯和Rex本人雙雙獲得葛萊美獎的提名，甚至由Lalah Hathaway和Richard Elliot所演唱的單曲也在排行榜上留下足跡。（Still going strong is a project close to Rex's heart, Forever, For Always, For Luther. Together with Bud Harner of GRP/Verve Music Group, Rex produced an entire tribute album to Luther Vandross covering hits and favorites interpreted by some of THE names in smooth jazz including Dave Koz, Kirk Whalum, Mindi Abair, Boney James, Lalah Hathaway, Rick Braun and more. While celebrating Luther, the collection also supports a worthy cause by having a portion of the proceeds donated to the American Diabetes Association. In fact, the whole cast would gather in New York where Rex would be musical director to raise money for the organization with special headliner, Patti LaBelle! The concert was a sell out. This labor of love tribute album and Rex went on to receive a Grammy Nomination and top the charts with singles from Lalah Hathaway and Richard Elliot. ）
Rex最近的作品其中之一是Boney James的新專輯《Pure》，裡頭包含了〈Think About Me〉和單曲〈Better With Time （featuring Bilal）〉（該曲從成人榜受到矚目，並得到許多廣播電台的熱力放送）。（One of Rex's latest collaborations is for the new Boney James album, Pure!, including "Think About Me" and the single "Better With Time" featuring soul singer, Bilal (which rose up the Urban AC charts and receive much radio airplay). ）
此外，如前所述，Rex藉著寫曲和製作電視電台廣告歌曲讓自己忙得不可開交，其中包括Bill Cosby的新製作動畫《Fatherhood》（譯注：為「Nick At Nite」電視影集系列，Will Smith飾演該常春劇男主角Nick）。緊接著完成Will Downing的聖誕專輯製作之後（譯注：《Christmas, Love and You》〔2004〕），Rex期待著來年更多教人興奮的企劃，其中有2005年K-Swiss新的活動、藉「美國偶像第三季」獲得一紙唱片合約的歌手LaToya London未來即將發行的首張專輯（譯注：《Love and Life》〔2005〕）等等。（Additionally, Rex kept more irons in the fire by writing and producing music for TV and radio commercials, including spots for the new Bill Cosby produced animated show Fatherhood on Nick At Nite. After writing and producing on a Christmas album for Will Downing, Rex looks forward to many exciting projects in the coming year, including the new 2005 K-Swiss campaign, songs for the debut album of American Idol Season 3 finalist, LaToya London, and much more to come. ）
最後，與Rex始終合作的靈魂歌手Ledisi，在Verve/Universal唱片發行的專輯正在籌備中（譯注：《Lost & Found》〔2007〕），他也製作了許多歌曲給Paul Taylor在Peak唱片即將發行的專輯（譯注：《Ladies' Choice》〔2007〕）。（Rex has been working with soul artist, Ledisi, over the past year for her album coming out on Verve/Universal. He's also producing several songs for the next Paul Taylor album on Peak.）
───
後記：
- 日前Rex Rideout成立了他的label「4847唱片」，並繼續致力於R&B音樂的製作。更多的資訊請參考http://www.myspace.com/rexrideoutsongs。
- 本文翻譯感謝張琇婷小姐的鼎力相助！
2009-04-12
2009-04-10
【格道】Soul Movement
http://www.soulmovementmusic.com/（很賞心悅目的官方網站）
http://www.myspace.com/soulmovement
Soul Movement是來自美國麻薩諸塞州的六人團體
混合了HipHop、Jazz、Soul等音樂類型
以現場演奏的方式在該州小有名氣
這裡有他們的介紹
E Reece和Othello也嘗試組合成類似的音樂思維模式
專輯分別是
E Reece & Core Elements《L.I.S.n 2 This Live.In.Studio.》
Othello《Alive At the Assembly Line》
Othello & the Hipknotics《Classic》
http://www.myspace.com/ereecemusic
http://www.myspace.com/othello
另一個對照組是由Jonathan Dagan為首的J.Viewz
該團可能更接近Soul Movement的音樂內容
http://www.myspace.com/jviewz
注記：Soul Movement的Sarah G的長笛（Flute）在我認為是具有龍點睛之效，在聆聽的時候不妨注意一下！
2009-04-06
2009-04-04
【遙念】2Pac feat. Dwele - Staring Through My Rear View
http://www.imeem.com/gmoneyhotness/music/qJ0ZYylE/2pac-staring-through-my-rear-view-ft-dwele/
此曲收錄於2Pac的《Nu Mixx Klazzics Vol. 2》專輯
台灣的映象唱片有代理台壓片
http://www.hinote.com.tw/product.aspx?sn=4677
滿中肯的作品～
2009-03-31
【禁瞌】King Coz - The Observations of King Coz Vol. I
If you don't like this, you don't like Hip Hop—You just like talking about it. And I don't like you.
Tracklist
01. The Beast
02. The One featuring Joe The Plumber03. Feasting On A Luther
04. Never Die featuring H.I.S.D.05. Dreams featuring D. Rose (of The Foundation) & Median
06. Four Men featuring Tanya Morgan & Kay (of The Foundation)07. Barock with Us
08. The Maxwell09. The Maxwell Part II
10. The Caldwell featuring H.I.S.D.11. The Caldwell Part II
12. Eddie13. What U Want featuring D. Rose (of The Foundation) & Damien (of KO)
14. No Fears featuring D. Rose (of The Foundation)
15. Summer So Good featuring H.I.S.D. & KO14. No Fears featuring D. Rose (of The Foundation)
16. Spitterlude featuring Scottie Spitten (of H.I.S.D.)
17. Lil' Big Yung18. A Kimmy J
19. A GM20. Planet X
All Songs Produced by King Coz
2009-03-29
【窒息】Marc Dorsey - I Crave
I wake up to shadows,
touching your pillow,
looking for a trace of your smile.
And that’s when it hit me,
you’re no longer with me,
in fact is been quite a while,
since I sit here drinking coffee as you sipped your tea,
and you swore you’d always love,
and care for me,
And even though there is no more us to save.
Its you I crave
I crave your touch,
I crave your lips,
I miss so much,
the excitement of your kiss,
and since your gone,
my heart won’t behave,
its your love that I still crave.
It may look like I’m happy,
people who know me,
they know I’m not doing so well.
I heard that you been dating,
and though I been waiting,
I had found you and no one else.
And just the thought of never waking up with, you again,
always turned me inside out,
how could, we let it end,
And even there is no more us to save.
Its you I crave...
2009-03-25
2009-03-23
【纖塵】Gordon Chambers
Gordon Chambers
Rhyme Wave介紹
唱作俱「優」的紐約音樂人Gordon Chambers，在2005年與2007年發行了兩張內容豐富的獨立專輯之後，並沒有停下他的腳步；和不同領域的音樂人撞擊出的歌曲火花，更見Gordon Chambers累積數十年的音樂修養。
以下介紹四首新近之作。
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與扎實派女音樂人Angela Johnson合作的〈Get Away〉（收錄於Angela Johnson的2008年專輯《A woman's touch, Vol. 1》），R&B和Reggae的交融，極為自然的律動性。
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXBQOvz5cTo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXBQOvz5cTo
Angela Johnson→http://www.angelajohnson.com/
《A woman's touch, Vol. 1》→http://cdbaby.com/cd/angelajohnson3
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與DJ Kawasaki合作了兩曲，分別出版於2008年之前後，是讓人意外的驚喜。
第一曲是收錄於《Yon can make it》的〈Believe〉。
http://www.imeem.com/people/qj03xq/music/RdZqq3ED/dj-kawasaki-08-believe-featuring-gordon-chambers/
第二曲是收錄於合輯《Most wanted》的〈If You Love Me (DJ Kawasaki Remix)〉。
http://www.imeem.com/dsktpp/music/yoDXV_he/gordon-chambers-if-you-love-me-dj-kawasaki-remix/
DJ Kawasaki→http://www.myspace.com/djkawasaki
《Yon can make it》→http://columbia.jp/artist-info/djkawasaki/COCB-53690.html
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與來自Wanshington D.C.的Funk Jazz團體76 Degrees West Band合作的2009年新曲〈Can't Keep Runnin'〉（收錄於76 Degrees West Band的2009年同名專輯），當屬入春之際的聽覺饗宴，與〈Get Away〉同樣是爬降音階流暢無比的好作品。
76 Degrees West Band→http://www.76degreeswestband.com/
《76 Degrees West Band》→http://cdbaby.com/cd/76degreeswest2
2009-03-18
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